Cellular carton



M. B U RG ER CELLULAR CARTON May 29, I951 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July28, 1945 INVENTOR.

marzz'n 5w 5! i1 -||||I v l l I 1 l u 1 1 I I 1 11 M. BURGER CELLULARCARTON Filed July 28, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 I v INVENTOR. 16 BY marlinBurger ANDRE/5Y5 Patented May 29, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT oFncECELLULAR CARTON Martin Burger, Morris, 111., assignor, by mesneassignments, to Shelhnar Products Corporation, Chicago, 111., acorporation of Delaware Application July 28 1945, Serial No. 607,596

1 This invention relates to an improved type of carton for fragilearticles, in particular, eggs.

Its object is to provide a carton which is of unitary or one-piececonstruction; a carton which may be easily manufactured; which possessesgreat resistance to crushing pressures; which is foldable for shipmentin a knock-down condition and which may be easily set up for use,particularly by hand.

Other and further objects will be apparent from the detailed descriptionwhich follows and by reference to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan viewof the single die cut blank from which the cartonis formed;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the blank shown in Fig. 1 following folding inone step of the manufac ture of the carton;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the fully fabricated carton, knocked down, inthe form in which it is shipped to users;

Fig. 4 is an end view of the carton fully set up and closed;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially on theline 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of a flat blank illustrating amodified form of the invention;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary View, similar to Fig. 2, showing the blankshown on Fig. 6 following folding in one step of the manufacture of thecarton;

Fig. 8 is an end view of a carton formed from the blank shown in Fig. 6;and

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional View taken substantially alongthe line-9 4 of Fig. 8.

As shown in the drawings, in the embodiment of Figs. 15 inclusive, andwith particular reference to Fig. 1, the carton is formed from a flatblank of a suitable cardboard stock, die cut and scored or creased toprovide a panel I carrying conventional lock tabs 2, which panel I isintegrally connected along a score line 3 to a further cover formingpanel 4. Cover 4 is integrally connected along a score line 5 to a panelforming a rear'side wall forming panel 6, which in turn is integrallyconnected along a score line I to a panel comprising one bottom section8. A plurality of spaced parallel slots 8a are provided in bottomsection 8, at least adjacent the sides of the blank, substantially asshown.

A plurality of spaced, aligned score lines 9 define an integral foldableconnection of bottom section 8 with another bottom section I0, thelatter having a plurality of spaced extensions lllb formed integrallytherewith. Extensions III?) are cut out of the material of bottomsection 8 being-- 14 Claims. (Cl. 229'28) 2 defined by a plurality ofparallel slits 8b extending from score lines 9 transversely of bottomsection 8 into intersection with opposite ends of the spaced alignedslits 80, so as to connect slits 8b in pairs. A plurality of spacedparallel slots Illa, similar to slots 8a in section 8 and alignedtherewith, are provided in bottom section II].

' A score line II defines a line of fold and inte-' gral connectionbetween bottom section I0 and front side wall I2 which is connectedalong spaced aligned short score lines I3 to a front transversepartition panel I4.' A plurality of transverse par titions Ida, [4b andI40 are cut out of the mate rial of panel I4 along the heavier linesdelineated therein, each partition" being foldable on spacedtransversely extendingscore lines Md from coplanar to spaced, vertical,cell defining positions when the carton is erected.

As shown on the drawings transverse partitions I la, formed at oppositesides of the blank, are of substantially the same size and are longerthan the other partitions; partitions Mb are substantially identical toone another but shorter than partitions I 4a, andpartiti-ons I 40 aresubstantially identical to one another but shorter than partitions Mb;

A plurality of spaced aligned short score lines I5 define a line ofhinged connection between front transverse partition panel l4 andanother panel I6 which constitutes one side of a longitudinal two walledpartition. in the erected carton and which has formed integral therewitha plurality of spaced outwardly extending leg portions I 6a and I6b.These portions as shown, extend angularly with respect to longitudinalpartition panel I6 and some thereof, such as [61), extendoppositely toothers thereof,'such"as I6a. Also formed integral with partition side I6are a plurality of extensions I extending'oppositely of 1 leg portions16a, IBb, which will'be more fully to form the other wall of the abovementioned:

two walled longitudinal partition. Like longitudinal partition panel I6,partition panel I8 has. formed integral therewith-a plurality of spacedangularly extending leg portions I 8a. and I8!) similar to portions IBet, I 66. Also formed integral with panel I8 are a plurality ofextensions I8c,';

similar to portions IGc.

A plurality of preferably rectangular openings I9 in spaced alignedrelation in the body of the blank, and two three sided openings. 20; atthe;

the heavier lines delineated therein. Each partition is foldable onspaced transversely extendin score lines 2201 from co-planar to spacedvertical cell defining positions when the'carton is erected- Transversepartitions 22a, 22b and-22c areidentical, respectively, to transversepartitions Ma,

I41) and I40. y

A plurality of spaced, aligned score lines 23 similar to lines 2Idelineate a line of fold and integral connection between panel 22 and aconventi'onal attaching strip 24.

As shown in Fig. 2, after the blank has been scored and cut ashereinbefore indicated, it is fabricated by first folding the blank backupon itself along score lines I3 in. the direction of score line 9, thenreversing the transverse partition bearing end of the blank back uponitself along score'lines I'I. When this double fold has beenaccomplished the blank will appear as shown in the above mentionedfigure. It will be noted that in this position of the parts longitudinalpartition panels I6 and I8 fall into exact register as also'do theirintegral parts I611 and I8a, I61), and I8b, and'l60 and I'8c. In thethus folded condition of the blank it will also be noted that the nowdouble folded extensions I60, I 80 fall into register with and are ofabout the same size as extensions I0b in bottom section HI and whichare'cut out along three sidesby cuts 8b, to from the material of bottomsection 8.

' In the fabrication of the carton and approximately coincident with theabove noted folding operation suitable fastening means, such as anadhesive is applied along portions I60 as shown in Fig. 1, and alsoalong. at least portions of longitudinal partition panels I6 and I8 ontheir sides opposite those shown in-Fig. 1. This having beenaccomplished, extensions I60 adhere to extensions I01) with which theyabuttingly register, and longitudinal partition panels I6 and I8 adheretogether in back to back relation to constitute a double thicknesslongitudinal partition.

In the next step of the fabrication operation adhesive or other'suitablefastening means is applied to attaching strip 24 as shown in Fig. 1, andthis portion folded angularly slightly along score lines 23. The portionof the blank comprising back side wall 6 is then folded over along scorelines 8 to the" extent that the adhesive bearing face of attaching strip24 comesinto full contact with rear side wall 6 in the area adjacent endparallel to score line 5, asin Fig. 3. The carton is thus completelyformedyappearing in fully flattened condition as shownin Fig. 3.

The foregoing description has been specifically directed to the showingof Figs. 1 to- 5, inclusive, of the drawings. Referring now to Figs. 6to 9' inclusive, there is shown therein a modification which, detailedlyanalyzed, involves slight changes from the previously disclosed forms inthe formation of bottom section 8; in the specific forms of transversepartitions in panels I4" and 22'; andv in the form of panels I6 and" I8', which fold intoback to back relation'and are retained to form thelongitudinal partition separating the adjacent rows of cells.

More specifically, in this form, at least panel 8' is provided with aplurality of spaced, aligned apertures 8d, as shown, one lateral edge ofwhich is parallel to the side edges of the blank. These apertures are solocated in the blank as to receive and retain in upright position someof the transverse partitions of the erected carton in manner more fullyhereinafter set forth.

Although not shown, it will be obvious that identically positionedapertures may be provided in panel I8, should it be found desirable soto do, these: to perform an identical function to apertures 8d.

Asshown in Fig. 6, the major portions of the transverse partitionsformed from panels I4 and 22, and typically illustrated by partitionsbearmg reference numerals Me and 22e, are relatively wide throughouttheir length, tending generally to fill the spaces between thelongitudinal partition sides I6, I8 and front and rear walls, of theerected carton I2 and 6, respectively as particularly shown in Fig. 8.In the form shown, certain of the transverse partitions are providedwith end extension tabs, typically illustrated by numeral 22;, which, inthe erected'carton enter and are frictionally engaged in apertures 8d ofthe bottom panel.

' The two panels I6, I8, adapted to fold into back to back relation toform the two ply longitudinal partition, are each provided with legextensions I6d and I811, these out out of the material of panels I4 and22', and here shown as being cut out parallel with the longitudinaldimension of the blank, and being adapted to meet in back to backrelation in the erected carton to form the cover supporting portionsparticularly shown in Figs. 8 and 9.

Unlike the showing of Figs. 1-5, panels It, I8 differ from one anotheralong their line of interconnection in that there is formed integralwith panel I6 the extension portions I6e, which are cut-out'of thematerial of panel I8. This construction makes for a savings in paperstock over the form shown in Fig. 1.

This modified form of carton is fabricated and set up in mannersubstantially identical to the other form shown in the drawings.

In the manufacturing operation, after the blank is cut out to the formshown in Fig. 6, it is fabricated by folding the blank back upon itselfalong score lines I3 in the direction of score line 9. The blank is thenreversed upon itself by folding along score lines I'I. When this isaccomplished the blank will appear substantially as indicated in Fig. 7.It will be noted that thus folded, longitudinal partition sides I6, I8,and in particular portions I66 and I 0?), fall into register. Adhesiveor the like is applied to the abutting registering portions to hold themin fixed relation to one another, and the final step of fabrication isthat of securing attaching strip '24 to rear side wall 6 below andparallel to score line 5.

Ihus fabricated, the carton is shipped fiat, substantially in the formshown in Fig. 3.

To set the carton up by hand from the folded form shown in Fig. 3 thecarton is grasped in one hand along front and rear side walls 6 and I2and the triple ply downwardly extending longitudinal rib members Iflb, I60, I is forced upwardly until bottom portions 8 and II] assumeapproximately that position shown in Fig. 4.

Cover 4 being as yet still open and extending in alignment with rearside wall 6, partition panels l4 and 22 will be seen to extendhorizontally of the carton. Then transverse partitions Ma and 22a, Nband 22b, 14c and 220 are bent downwardly in succession by the operator,using two fingers, along score lines 14d and 2201, respectively, untilall the transverse partitions are swung from co-planar horizontal tospaced vertical positions, forming a plurality of article re ceivingcompartments.

' The cover 4 may then be folded down along score line 5 into coveringrelation to the compartment, cover locking strip I being folded alongscore line 3 into substantial alignment with front side wall l2 and thecover biased slightly so that locks 2 engage the gussets forming hingesadjacent the top of front wall l2.

As shown in Fig. 4 there is provided a carton having transversepartitions at least some ,of which extend through the bottom sections,the carton being divided lengthwise by a two ply Ion-.- gitudinalpartition, and each of said transverse partitions being hinged to anadjacent Wall and to the longitudinal partition, and having upward lydisposed extensions providing a two ply. support for the cover. There isalso provided a plurality of spaced downwardly extending multi-ply.

ribs or supports which assist in maintaining the carton in cushionforming position. o

It is desired to specifically point out that in all the forms hereinshown the arrangement of the transverse partitions in their relation totheir cooperating parts is in accordance with the teaching of Cox U. S.Patent No. 2,037,502.

. Having thus specifically described myinvenrposition at an angle to thebottom to thereby subdivide said rows into cells, said bottom havingintegral tabs extending at an angle thereto in erected condition of thecarton and said longitudinal partition member having leg elements cutfrom the material thereof and extending immediately adjacent said tabsin said erected condition of the carton to assist in maintaining thebottom in cushion-forming position elevated above a surface on which thecarton rests.

2. A carton comprising front and rear side walls, a bottom connectingthe same and a multiply longitudinal partition subdividing the spacebetween said walls into parallel rows, and transverse partition elementson either side of said partition hingedly connected to the front andrear walls respectively, and swingable from inoperative co-planarposition to operative erected position at an angle to the bottom tothereby subdivide said rows into cells, said bottom having integral tabsextending at an angle thereto in erected condition of the carton andsaid longitudinal partition member having leg elements cut from thematerial thereof and secured in side-by-side relation to said tabs,whereby in said erected condition of the carton to assist in maintainingthe bottom in cushion-forming position elevated above a surface on whichthe carton rests.

3. A carton comprising front and rear walls, a bottom connecting thesame and a multi-ply longitudinal partition subdividing the spacebetween said walls into parallel rows, and transverse partition elementson either side of said partition hingedly connected at their adjacentsides to the partition and at their remote sides to the front and rearwalls, respectively, and swingable downwardly of the carton section frominoperative co-planar position to operative erected position at an angleto the bottom to thereby subdivide said rows into cells, said bottombeing cut to define tabs hinged to the bottom and a series of aperturestransversely aligned with said respective tabs, said longitudinalpartition member having leg extensions excised from at least one of theplies thereof which are transversely aligned with and extend throughsaid apertures in sideby-side relation with said tabs in the erectedcondition of the carton, to thereby afford multiply ribs assisting inmaintaining the bottom in a cushion-forming position elevated at itscenter above a surface on which the carton rests.

4. A carton body comprising front and rear side walls and a pair ofbottom sections joining the walls, at least one of the bottom sectionshaving cut out portions forming upright tabs which are hinged to thecarton adjacent the juncture of the bottom sections and extenddownwardly therefrom, transverse partitions divided into rows by alongitudinal partition, and a longitudinal partition having portionsformed thereon which extend through the openings caused by outwardswinging of the tabs and which lie in fixed abutment with said tabs,thereby providing a plurality of multi-ply ribs adapted to assist insupporting the bottom sections, medially of the carton, above the levelof the wall bottoms.

5. A carton body, comprising front and rear side walls, a pair of bottomsections integrally and directly connected to one another by a medialfold line joining the walls, at least one of the bottom sections havingportions freed therefrom forming tabs hinged to the carton adjoiningsaid fold line and swingable outwardly therefrom, a pair of transversepartition panels including a plurality of individual partitionsswingable from co-planar horizontal to spaced upright positions,

- a downwardly looped multi-ply longitudinal partition, one ply of whichhas a plurality of leg extensions formed integral therewith, said legextensions being cut out of the material of the other ply and extendingthrough the openings caused by outward swinging of the tabs in thebottom section having the same, the extensions meeting in fixed surfaceabutment with the tabs and providing a plurality of multi-ply ribsadapted to assist in maintaining the bottom sections in cushion formingposition adjacent their juncture.

6. A collapsible carton which, when erected, comprises front and rearside walls, a bottom connecting the walls and being bent into centrallyraised position, a longitudinal partition, and a plurality of transversepartitions each being hinged to the longitudinal partition and to themost proximate wall, said partitions being swingable from co-planarhorizontal to spaced upright positions and being so shaped and mountedas to wedgingly separate the portions to which they are attached when inthe latter position, tabs excised from the bottom section and hingedthereto adjacent the apex thereof, leg elements formed on thelongitudinal partition, said leg elements being inserted through theopeningsresulting from displacement" of the tabs and secured to thelatter, thereby forming a plurality of downwardly extending multi-plyribs, said ribs cooperating with the upright transverse partitions tomaintain the carton in erected and medially elevated condition. 7

'7. A collapsible carton comprising front and rear side walls connectedby a bottom section medially elevated above the level of the wallbottoms, a multi-ply longitudinal partition having spaced upstandingextensions along its top and spaced downwardly extending leg elementsalong its bottom, a plurality of transverse partitions each beinghinged'to the longitudinal partition below the upstanding extensionsthereon and to the most proximate wall, said partitions being swingablefrom co-planar horizontal to space upright positions and being so offsetas to wedgingly separate the walls and longitudinal partition when inthe latter position, tabs excised from the bottom section in registerwith the leg elements along the bottom of the longitudinal partition andhinged to the bottom section adjacent the apex thereof, said legelements being inserted through openings resulting from displacement ofthe tabs and into fixed abutment with the tabs, thereby forming aplurality of downwardly extending multi-ply supports medially of thebottom section, said supports cooperating with the upright transversepartitions to maintain the carton in erected, cushion forming condition.

8. A unitary carton comprising front and rear side walls, a bottomconnecting the same, and a downwardly looped multi-ply longitudinalpartion subdividing the space between the walls, transverse partitionshinged to the longitudinal partition and to the most proximate wall andbeing rotatable from coplanar horizontal to spaced upright positionssubdividing the space between the longitudinal partition and the wallsinto a plurality of cells, tabs excised transversely from the bottom andbeing hinged thereto substantially in alignment with the longitudinalpartition, said tabs being swingable into upright positions, and othertabs excised from one ply of the longitudinal partition and beingswingable downwardly therefrom, in register with and secured to thefirst-named tabs to hold the longitudinal partition in fixed relation tothe bottom.

9. A blank for a carton of the type described, comprising, in integrallyconnected relation, a pair of adjacent bottom-defining panels directlyconnected to one another by a medial hinge line, at least one of saidpanels being provided with a longitudinal series of longitudinallyspaced cuts adjoining said hinge line each of which includes portionsdisposed transversely of and terminating at said hinge line, thereby toprovide a set of tabs disposable at an angle to the bottom defined bysaid panels when said carton is in completed condition, a pair oflongitudinal partition-defining panels in transversely spaced,longitudinally fixed relation to said bottom-defining panels, said lastnamed panels being directly connected to one another along a medial foldline on which they are foldable to provide a multiple-ply longitudinalpartition, at least one of said partition defining panels being providedwith a longitudinal series of spaced cuts alternating in thelongitudinal direction with said first named cuts and each includingportions disposed transversely of and in intersecting relation to saidmedial fold line, thereby to provide a set of tabs projecting therefromand extending longitudinala (ill so ly thereof, said respective pairs ofpanels being foldably connected'to one another in a manner to permit thesaid respective sets to be disposed in side-by-side relation in thecompleted condition of the carton, a pair of side walls, and transversepartition means hinged to at least one of said side walls fordisposition transversely of said longitudinal partition in the completedand erected condition of the carton.

10. A blank for a carton of the type described, comprising, inintegrally connected relation, a pair of adjacent bottom-defining panelsdirectly connected to one another by a medial hinge line, at least oneof said panels being provided with a longitudinal series oflongitudinally spaced cuts adjoining said hinge line each of whichincludes portions disposed transversely of and terminating at said hingeline, thereby to provide a set of tabs disposable at an angle to thebottom defined by said panels when said carton is in completedcondition, a pair of longitudinal partition-defining panels intransversely spaced, longitudinally fixed relation to saidbottom-defining panels, said last named panels being directly connectedto one another along a medial fold line on which they are foldable toprovide a multiple-ply longitudinal partition, at least one of saidpartition-defining panels being provided with a longitudinal series ofspaced cuts alternating in the longitudinal direction with said firstnamed cuts and each including portions disposed transversely of and inintersecting relation to said medial fold line, thereby adjoining saidfold line to provide a set of tabs projecting therefrom and extendinglongitudinally thereof, said respective pairs of panels being foldablyconnected to one another in a manner to permit the said respective setsto be disposed in side-by-side relation in the completed condition ofthe carton, a pair of side walls, and transverse partition means hingedto at least one of said side walls for disposition transversely of saidlongitudinal partition in the completed and erected condition of thecarton.

11. A blank for a carton of the type described, comprising, inintegrally connected relation, a pair of adjacent bottom-defining panelsdirectly connected to one another by a medial hinge line, at least oneof said panels being provided with a longitudinal series oflongitudinally spaced cuts adjoining said hinge line each of whichincludes portions disposed transversely of and terminating at said hingeline, thereby to provide a set of tabs disposable at an angle-to thebottom defined by said panels when said carton is in completedcondition, a pair of longitudinal partition-defining panels intransversely spaced, longitudinally fixed relation to saidbottom-defining panels, said last named panels being directly connectedto one another along a medial fold line on which they are foldable toprovide a multiple-ply longitudinal partition, at least one of saidpartition-defining panels being provided with a longitudinal series ofspaced cuts alternating in the longitudinal direction with said firstnamed cuts and each including portions disposed transversely of and inintersecting relation to said medial fold line, thereby to provide a setof tabs projecting therefrom and extending longitudinally thereof, saidrespective sets of tabs being in transverse alignment and saidrespective pairs of panels being foldably connected to one another in amanner to permit the said respective sets to be disposed in side-by-siderelation in the completed condi tion of the carton, a pair of sidewalls", and trans-v verse partition means hinged to at least one of saidside walls and to said respective partitiondefining panels on margins ofthe latter spaced from said fold line for disposition transversely ofsaid longitudinal partition in the completed and erected condition ofthe carton.

12. A one piece paperboard egg carton including connected bottom, frontand rear side walls, the

bottom being inclined upwardly from the lower edges of the front andrear walls toward and along its longitudinal center and having slotstherein, a cover integral with the rear side wall, partition-formingmeans including a glue strip, a vertically disposed longitudinalpartition extending longitudinally medially of the carton between thefront and rear walls, and spaced transverse partitions integral with thevertical partition and extending on opposite sides thereof to the frontand rear walls respectively to provide spaced rows of egg receivingcells, said partitionforming means including a portion integrallyattached to the upper edge of the front side wall and extending acrossthe carton and adhesively secured to the upper portion of the rear sidewall by means of the glue strip, the said longitudinal partitioncomprising an integral portion of the partition-forming means foldedupon itself and adhesively secured together, said reversely foldedportion of the partition having integral supporting projectionsextending downwardly therefrom through and outwardly of the slots in thebottom and terminating substantially in the plane of the lower edges ofthe front and rear walls.

13. A one piece paperboard egg carton including connected bottom, frontand rear side walls, the bottom being inclined upwardly from the loweredges of the front and rear walls toward and along its longitudinalcenter and having slots therein, a cover integral with the rear sidewall, partition-forming means including a glue strip, a verticallydisposed longitudinal partition extending longitudinally medially of thecarton between the front and rear walls, and spaced transversepartitions integral with the vertical partition and extending onopposite sides thereof to the front and rear walls respectively toprovide spaced rows of egg receiving cells, said partition-forming meansincluding a portion integrally attached to the upper edge, of the frontside wall and extending across the carton and adhesively secured to theupper portion of the rear side wall by means of the glue strip, the saidlongitudinal partition comprising an integral portion of thepartition-forming means folded upon itself and adhesively securedtogether, said reversely folded portion of the partition having integralsupporting projections extending downwardly therefrom through andoutwardly of the slots in the bottom and terminating substantially inthe plane of the lower edges of the front and rear walls, saidsupporting projections of the reversely folded adhesively securedtogether portion of the longitudinal partition extending downwardlythrough and beyond the slots in the bottom and being adhesively securedto downwardly extending integral tabs on the bottom adjacent the slotsfor retaining the longitudinal center of the bottom in raised andupwardly inclined cushion-forming position.

14. A one piece paperboard egg carton including connected bottom, frontand rear side walls, the bottom being inclined upwardly from the loweredges of the front and rear walls toward and along its longitudinalcenter and having slots therein, a cover integral with the rear sidewall, partition-forming means including a glue strip, a verticallydisposed longitudinal partition extending longitudinally medially of thecarton between the front and rear walls, and spaced transversepartitions integral with the vertical partition and extending onopposite sides thereof to the front and rear walls respectively toprovide spaced rows of egg receiving cells, said partition-forming meansincluding a portion integrally attached to the upper edge of the frontside wall and extending across the carton and adhesively secured to theupper portion of the rear side wall by means of the glue strip, the saidlongitudinal partition comprising an integral portion of thepartition-forming means folded upon itself and adhesively securedtogether, said reversely folded portion of the parti tion havingintegral supporting projections extending downwardly therefrom throughand outwardly of the slots in the bottom and terminating substantiallyin the plane of the lower edges of the front and rear walls, the upperedge of the integral reversely folded portion of the longitudinalpartition extending above the up-- per edge of the front side wall ofthe carton when erected, thus providing a support for the cover when thecover is in closed position.

MARTIN BURGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Re. 19,625 Levkofi June 25, 19351,511,678 Schwartzberg Oct. 14, 1924 1,614,997 Scotcher Jan. 18, 19271,954,202 Goodyear Apr. 10, 1934 1,975,106 Klefeker Oct. 2, 19342,103,382 Petter Dec. 28, 1937 2,113,051 Jones Apr. 5, 1938 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 447,136 Great Britain of 1936

